Double trouble karate twins
NORTHCLIFF – Jayden and Jonathan Duncan have big dreams to take their sport to the next level with goals to become world champions.
The Northcliff Karate Academy is lucky to have two young champions in their midst. Twins, Jayden and Jonathan Duncan (14) have been the proud wearers of South African Protea colours in karate since 2013.
The twins competed in the Karate All Star Provincial Tournament on 20 February at the Orlando Recreation Centre and both of them took first place. Their mother, Stacey, explained that the twins competed in different weight categories and that is why they could both win. She added that sometimes the twins must compete against each other and as their parents, it is very hard to watch when this happens.
Jayden said that they have been doing karate since the age of six. “They were bullied when they were younger, because they were so small and that is why we decided to let them do karate. We had no idea that they would come this far,” said Stacey.
They already travelled overseas for their sport. In 2011 they competed in the Common Wealth Games in Montreal, Canada. They also competed in the World Youth Open championships 2015 in Croatia. Jayden and Jonathan agreed that having the chance to compete against each other provides motivation. Stacey added, “They are very competitive so if one of them comes first, the other one will push himself to do the same.”
Jayden said that their training varies from six to 20 hours a week, depending on whether they have a competition to take part in. “I want to compete in the Olympics,” said Jonathan. They said that they would advise young people interested in karate to dream big and persevere. “Do not give up when there are tough times,” concluded Jonathan.
Details: Northcliff Karate Academy, 082 781 7121.
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